How I Went From Managing Website Projects to Adivising Millionaires

My 4-year “freelancing” journey has gone something like this:

⭐ Started a YouTube channel where I shared about my passion: how to successfully manage projects in the startup environment.

⭐ Through my network, I landed my first “freelance” job, where I managed a series of small projects for a client in the marketing space.

⭐ A year later, I left my full time job and pursued freelancing full time. I landed more work through my network and YT channel, mostly managing technical projects for startups.

➡ At this point I was a project manager and content creator.

⭐ Soon, I began receiving requests from YT viewers asking me to mentor/coach them. In the early days I would hop on a call with anyone and chat. This happened hundreds of times and people would tell me I had helped them get an interview or land a job or level up. So finally, after receiving the feedback that one of my mentees had landed their dream job at Meta, I decided to formalize this service and start charging for my time.

➡ At this point I was a project manager, content creator, and coach.

⭐ Next thing I know I’m fielding a request from a startup founder who wants help training his young professional team on project management best practices. So naturally I put together and execute a custom training program.

➡ At this point I was a project manager, content creator, coach, and trainer.

⭐ The same client then asked me to put together and execute an entire program.

➡ At this point I was a project manager, content creator, coach, trainer, program director and facilitator.

⭐ By this time I’ve been posting regularly on LinkedIn for months and have developed a humble following. More folks are reaching out about coaching and requesting help specifically around how to start freelancing themselves, so I created a program designed to offer support around what I’ve learned are the most important aspects of freelancing as a PM.

⭐ Soon, my presence on LinkedIn starts attracting more startup founders. I begin partnering with these purpose-driven founders to validate ideas, develop strategy around projects and operationalize efforts.

➡ At this point I was a project manager, content creator, coach, trainer, program director and facilitator, and consultant.

Which brings us to current day (phew!)

For now, I've stopped managing projects because I simply don’t have the time. I’m instead focused on my consulting work where I serve in a fractional capacity for startups and growing teams (which is what I LOVE doing). I’ve embraced a retainer model that works well for what I’m doing and I still make time for content creation, coaching, and personal projects.

Overall, I've learned I'm better at some things than others. I've also learned you never know unless you try! Saying yes even when I'm scared has been beneficial for me. 💫

❓ Where are you in your journey? What surprise opportunities have you encountered?